Man of La Mancha

1972
PG
2h 12m

IMDb RATING

6.5/10

4.9K

YOUR RATING

Sophia Loren, Peter O'Toole, and James Coco in Man of La Mancha (1972)

The funny story of mad but kind and chivalrous elderly nobleman Don Quixote who, aided by his squire Sancho Panza, fights windmills that are seen as dragons to save prostitute Dulcinea who is seen as a noblewoman.

Play trailer3:09

6 Videos

31 Photos

Costume Drama Period Drama Quest Drama Fantasy Musical Romance

The funny story of mad but kind and chivalrous elderly nobleman Don Quixote who, aided by his squire Sancho Panza, fights windmills that are seen as dragons to save prostitute Dulcinea who i... Read allThe funny story of mad but kind and chivalrous elderly nobleman Don Quixote who, aided by his squire Sancho Panza, fights windmills that are seen as dragons to save prostitute Dulcinea who is seen as a noblewoman.The funny story of mad but kind and chivalrous elderly nobleman Don Quixote who, aided by his squire Sancho Panza, fights windmills that are seen as dragons to save prostitute Dulcinea who is seen as a noblewoman.

See production info at IMDbPro

IMDb RATING

6.5/10

4.9K

YOUR RATING

See production info at IMDbPro

Nominated for 1 Oscar
- 2 wins & 3 nominations total

Videos6

Trailer 3:09

Trailer

Clip 2:52

Man Of LA Mancha: Don Quixote Charges The Giant

Clip 2:52

Man Of LA Mancha: Don Quixote Charges The Giant

Clip 2:41

Man Of LA Mancha: I, Don Quixote

Clip 2:59

Man Of LA Mancha: Don Quixote Meets Aldonza

Clip 2:28

Man Of LA Mancha: The Impossible Dream

Clip 2:25

Man Of LA Mancha: The Birth Of Don Quixote De LA Mancha

Photos31

+ 24

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Storyline

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Did you know

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Trivia
Kirk Douglas was so keen to play Don Quixote that he offered Paramount $1m for the rights. In 1965, Anthony Quinn negotiated with Dale Wasserman for the film rights. Quinn wanted Mexican comedian Cantinflas for the role of "Sancho Panza" (with Quinn as Quixote).

Goofs
In the film, Miguel de Cervantes y Saavedra uses the story of Don Quixote to defend the hero's chivalric notions. In the final pages of the novel, and only in the final pages, he declares that his intention was to satirize and poke fun at the exaggerated books of chivalry which were then in vogue. Part I of "Don Quixote" published in 1605, is mostly comic; Part II, published in 1615, is more melancholy and psychological. Most critics feel that, despite his satirical intentions, Cervantes mellowed and began to admire Don Quixote between publication of the 2 parts.

Quotes
Miguel de Cervantes: I'm a poet.
The Duke: They're putting people in prison for that?
Miguel de Cervantes: No, no, no, not for that.
The Duke: Too bad.

Crazy credits
During the opening credits, we see the animated sails of a windmill, which, with each turn, begin to reveal, and finally become, a sketch of the face of Don Quixote. The camera moves in for an extreme closeup of the facial features, which, as the camera gets close, reveal themselves to be a giant prop in an outdoor stage presentation during a festival. As the opening credits end, the sketch of that prop dissolves into the real item.

Alternate versions
The DVD features the MGM logo in the credits, but not the United Artists one, although the film is a United Artists release. The VHS release featured both logos, and the original theatrical release only the United Artists one, along with the Transamerica logo (Transamerica once owned UA).

Connections
Featured in The 75th Annual Academy Awards (2003)

Soundtracks
Man of La Mancha
(I, Don Quixote)
Music by Mitch Leigh
Lyrics by Joe Darion
Performed by Simon Gilbert, Peter O'Toole (speaking),
and James Coco

User reviews81

Review

Featured review

8/10

A Rather Solid Musical!

The users on this board seemed to concur that this was somehow a bad musical but I disagree. I'm really particular when it comes to people just bursting out into song for no apparent reason and this was one of those few times where I actually liked it. I've always enjoyed the Don Quixote story and this was a fantastic turnaround. I can see why some viewers say that the singing wasn't nearly as extraordinary as it was on Broadway but few film adaptations are. Besides the acting was stellar and it drew out extreme emotions of happiness, sorrow, or laughter out of me at times. Though dirty and ragged I found Sophia Lauren to still be beautiful and her body is absolutely perfect in every way I can fathom. Peter O'Toole was great as a crazy old man set forth on an unattainable quest for glory and at the end someone who had to once again face the harsh life of reality. For those of us who haven't seen it on the stage I feel it is a wonderful performance that was thoroughly enjoyable for persons of all ages that are looking to be whisked away by a tiny bit of magic! I'm positive that I'll have some of the songs stuck in my head for at least several days now.

Final Blaze:

Movies: I don't usually see musicals on the big screen.

DVD Purchase: If my budget ever increases to a more desirable level.

Rental: An awesome choice!